False Start - College Football Podcast
A college football podcast for everyone... and everyone else. John Buhler and Cody Williams break down the biggest and littlest college football stories every week to bring the joy of this dumb, beautiful sport to every fan and could-be fan.
Episode 271: Kirby Smart tries to explain the impossible, New CFP projections, P4 agents of chaos!
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Some things have no reasonable explanation for them...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) discussed what all Kirby Smart had to say about the Big Ten's current run of dominance over the SEC.
From there, the guys shared their latest way-too-early College Football Playoff brackets, based on Texas Tech potentially taking a hit because of the Brendan Sorsby situation.
After that, they revealed their Power Four agents of...
Episode 270: Best NFL Draft picks!, Kalen DeBoer contract extension thoughts, Lane Kiffin mad about the portal
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Windows are only open for so long...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) revealed their 10 favorite picks from the 2026 NFL Draft.
Yes, there was some overlap...
After that, they played the world's smallest violin over Lane Kiffin wanting a spring transfer portal window, all before discussing the financial ramifications of Kalen DeBoer's Alabama contract extension, good, bad, and ugly.
Don't sweat the small stuff when you...
Episode 269: 2026 NFL Draft Fallout!, Who made the best and worst picks?, Buhler went to Germany and saw Tame Impala
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Clearly, the less we know the better...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) recapped an absolutely glorious 2026 NFL Draft.
They shared their favorite and least favorite drafts of the 32 teams comprising the National Football League, all before Cody lived vicariously through Buhler's trip to the motherland.
Enjoy a double helping of Local Scouting Report all about Germany, and then a nice slice of pumpkin pie of Tame Impala...
Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt: 2026 NFL Draft: Fernando first, Caleb come on Downs, Call a doctor for Kadyn Proctor...
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One day down, two more to go...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) returned just in time to help Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) recap the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in the only way they know how.
With Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt, the guys reacted to some of their favorite picks from Thursday night, some of their least favorite, as well as some they need some more time to digest.
<...Episode 268: Indiana-Alabama Beef, Zachariah Branch Arrested, Garrett Nussmeier's Medicals, Jeremiyah Love's Draft Stock
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Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines has been beefing with Alabama fans over some Ty Simpson comments, and Cody Williams is breaking it down solo like a cup. He also looks at Georgia WR Zachariah Branch getting arrested after G-Day before the draft, the balance of NIL for college football and the NFL, Jermiyah Love’s draft stock and value as a Top 5 pick, Garrett Nussmeier’s new medical update (an indictment on Brian Kelly), and NFL Draft prospects I’d bet on.
Suppor...
Episode 267: Miami Keeps Coordinators, Alabama QB Battle, Best Transfer Classes, Kirby Mimicking Cig
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The Miami Hurricanes retained both Shannon Dawson and Corey Heatherman on extensions, so Cody Williams breaks down the new deal with Buhler in Germany. We then look at Keelon Russell showing out for Alabama and outshining Austin Mack in the spring, the best transfer portal classes, what Kirby Smart and Georgia may have learned from Indiana and Curt Cignetti, the future of Luke Fickell with a Wisconsin AD change, and Ryan Day feeling himself with recruiting.
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Episode 266: NFL Mock Draft Breakdown, Draft Comps, Ty Simpson vs. Fernando Mendoza
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Cody has a new 2026 NFL Mock Draft with the Cowboys and Chiefs making trades, so he and John Buhler are breaking that down. We also dive into ESPN’s new list of NFL Draft comps and our likes and dislikes there, the love of Dan Orlovsky for Alabama QB Ty Simpson, whether Fernando Mendoza is making the right choice to not attend the draft, and then regale tales of what TV shows we’re watching and times being had in Indianapolis and Atlanta.
Sup...
Episode 265: Sonny Dykes & Curt Cignetti get Heated over Josh Hoover, Cody Campbell vs. Brett Yormark in the Big 12
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One man's trash is another man's treasure!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) flew solo like a cup with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) covering the Final Four over in Indianapolis.
Buhler touched on how Sonny Dykes did not have the nicest things to say about Josh Hoover now that he is at Indiana.
Meanwhile, Curt Cignetti seems to be defending his new transfer quarterback from TCU to the death.
Something has...
Episode 264: Ryan Day learns from the dinosaurs, Gus Malzahn to CFP Selection Committee, CFB HCs on spring break
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Adapt or die or something...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) learned about what all Ryan Day learned while watching a dinosaur documentary on Netflix.
He somehow applied it to football, and the guys were shocked!
From there, they discussed what exactly Gus Malzahn will bring to the table as the newest member of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.
Naturally, it goes without saying...
<...Episode 263: Jeremiah Smith tampering allegations, Curt Cignetti is the new Portal King, Matt Rhule cost Cornhuskers dearly
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Be seen or heard or whatever...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) were reunited after a week or so apart.
The guys looked at the college football world through a very transactional lens, as well as through the lenses of some really cool liars of note.
Curt Cignetti has been noisy this offseason. So has Jeremiah Smith.
All the while, Will Wade is calling Baton Rouge...
Episode 262: Jon Sumrall hates spring break, Kalen DeBoer is doing A-Day again, Kirby Smart loves no spring transfer portal
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It is all happening!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) flew solo like a cup with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) making moves.
Buhler did not disappoint on this episode by touching on Jon Sumrall's harsh comments after spring break at Florida, Kalen DeBoer's decision to bring A-Day back to Tuscaloosa, and Kirby Smart's appreciation for not having a transfer portal.
After that, Buhler discussed the best CFB and CBB head-coaching pairs in the...
Episode 261: What Win Totals Mean for Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Georgia & More, Indiana Trolls Notre Dame
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College football win totals are out, but what do the numbers for Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Ohio State, USC, Indiana and more say about these teams entering the 2026 season? Cody Williams is flying solo and breaking that down. Plus, he looks at NIL and transfer portal effects on March Madness versus the CFP, Jedd Fisch keeping receipts on coaches who are tampering, Kyle Whittingham drama from his departure at Utah and move to Michigan, an ESPN analyst who has Ty Simpson as QB1 in the 2026 NFL...
Episode 260: Matt Leinart won't let you have his USC number, CFB HCs we think could be good CBB HCs
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Do not let them have it!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) tried to keep this thing on the tracks in the lead-up to March Madness.
No, Matt Leinart will not let you have his USC jersey number!
No, the guys do not think Kirby Smart would be a good college basketball coach.
That being said, P.J. Fleck already looks good in a sweater vest...
Episode 259: College Football March Madness Bracket!, Guys Remembering Tournaments...
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It takes a total team effort to cut down the nets!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) unleashed their one-of-a-kind College Football March Madness Bracket!
With their powers combined, the guys picked who is going to win March Madness this year, based solely on what they know about college football.
After that, the guys remembered some tournaments, talked some TV shows, and then got out of there with...
Episode 258: Spring Practice QB Battles!, Spring Transfer Portal Favorites!, Buhler and Cody Celebrate 311 Day, Bruh?!
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What is the color of your energy?
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) celebrated 311 Day together, forever.
While it was a most splendid time, they did take about an hour or so discussing college football topics on this most underrated holiday.
From spring quarterback battles, to notable transfers coming in, the guys did not disappoint.
If you ever wanted to know what color is a random...
Episode 257: Best P4 QBs Debate, Trinidad Chambliss’ Case, Arvell Reese’s Draft Stock, Jon Sumrall NEEDS Patience
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So how good is your favorite team's starting quarterback really?
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) flew solo like a cup with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) frolicking somewhere in Colorado with the NC State podcast.
Buhler started the show off with a bang reacting to Bill Connelly's Power Four quarterback rankings for ESPN.
He then addressed the NCAA's beef with Trinidad Chambliss trying to playin for Ole Miss again, as well as Arvell...
Episode 256: Spring Practice Storylines, Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart to Retire, RIP Lou Holtz
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Spring is almost in the air!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) went a full T-I-N, TEN?! on some of the best spring practice storylines to be had in college football.
They also touched on long-time Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart retiring at the end of the academic year.
The guys also paid their respects to the late, great Lou Holtz. RIP
And so it begins...
Episode 255: NFL Combine Fallout!, Best and Worst Head Coaches in the Big 12, Future P4 HCs in 2030?!
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See your future, be your future...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) touched on the NFL Combine in all its glory.
They discussed who shined in their glorified pajamas, as well as what dudes would look sweet with a Gennings Dunker mullet in the CFB world.
After that, the guys ranked the best and worst head coaches in the Big 12, all before seeing what The Atheltic's Ralph Russo...
Episode 254: Pre-NFL Combine Mock Draft!, Best and Worst ACC Coaches, Gunner Rivers Goes to College
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Now we start...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) took a good, hard look at the 2026 NFL Draft through the lens of Cody's latest mock for FanSided.com.
Buhler was not flying solo like a cup in this one, but rather flying blind in trying to understand who Cody had going where. It was a splendid time!
From there, the guys dissected the best and worst head coaches...
Episode 253: No more school for Joey Aguilar, Best and worst head coaches in the Big Ten, Way-too-early CFP field projections
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People who go to college for seven years are called doctors!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) discussed the end of the Joey Aguilar era of college football.
While Trinidad Chambliss got a sixth year, season No. 8 was not in the cards for the former Tennessee, UCLA, and Appalachian State quarterback.
Buhler and Cody also touched on the best and worst coaches in the Big Ten during this...
Episode 252: IMG Academy in hot water!, Best and worst SEC head coaches, Who would make a great CFB commissioner?
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We are here and we are thriving!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) were reunited and it felt so good.
It had been about two weeks now since they had seen each others' faces over Zoom, so you better believe False Start was more off the rails than usual.
The guys touched on the IMG Academy's rough financial ties to something nefarious, who could be a great CFB...
Episode 251: Trinidad Chambliss & Joey Aguilar's Eligibility, Should Alabama Cancel on Ohio State, All-American Lookahead
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Cody Williams is back and flying solo like a cup and talking about Trinidad Chambliss being named eligible for Ole Miss, Joey Aguilar trying to do the same for Tennessee, and what it means for both programs this season. We also look at Alabama potentially cancelling their series with Ohio State and what that would look like for Kalen DeBoer, look at Mark Schlabach's too-early All-American Team picks from Arch Manning to Malachi Toney, break down the Big Ten's proposed 24-team playoff, unpack the MAC adding...
Episode 250: Way-too-early Heisman Trophy ballots, 10 big offseason questions, North Dakota State to the Mountain West!
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One more for the road...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) flew solo like a cup once again with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) down for the count.
Buhler carried on anyway by sharing his way-too-early Heisman Trophy ballots, shared 10 burning CFB offseason questions he had to get off his chest, and so much more.
Also, North Dakota State is flying so high like a G6 by joining ... the G6!
False Start...
Episode 249: Fernando Mendoza will not throw at the NFL Combine, Akheem Mesidor's rising NFL Draft stock, Jeremy Pruitt returning to college football?
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You don't have to throw as long as you don't no-show.
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) once again flew solo like a cup with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) a bit under the weather.
Buhler touched on Fernando Mendoza's NFL Combine plans, Akheem Mesidor's draft stock, and so much more on this fine episode.
If it is the heart of the offseason, it's gotta be False Start!
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Episode 248: Gus Malzahn retires, Mike Norvell calling plays, Will Stein inspires, CFP bracket prediction shenanigans
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On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) flew solo like a cup once again with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) in the Bay Area covering the Super Bowl.
Buhler attempted to keep this thing on the rails for as long as he could...
He touched on Gus Malzahn retiring from the coaching profession, with Mike Norvell now being the one to call plays at Florida State.
After being inspired by a few things Will Stein...
Episode 247: Gary Patterson to USC, Jon Sumrall Next Urban Meyer?, Massive Playoff Implications in the Big Ten!
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You're never late when you're always on time!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) flew solo like a cup with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) on his way to the Bay Area to go cover Super Bowl 60.
Buhler kept this thing on the tracks with thoughts on Gary Patterson taking over the USC Trojans defense, as well as some ramblings about the latest Heisman Trophy and national championship odds...
Will Michigan bounce back in...
Episode 246: Fernando Mendoza is locked and loaded on LinkedIn, CFB NFL team equivalents, False Start's inaugural Hall of Fame class
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If you are #OpenToWork, what else are you open to?
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) prepared for Super Bowl 60.
While Cody will be on the ground in Santa Clara, Buhler will be holding down the fort for the foreseeable future.
Before Cody gets frisky in Frisco, the guys respected Fernando Mendoza's LinkedIn game, compared all 32 NFL teams to college football ones, and then, things got off the...
Episode 245: Lane Kiffin Rolling at LSU, Arthur Smith to Ohio State, Mensah-Duke Drama, Placating Notre Dame
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Lane Kiffin is living up to his Portal King moniker at LSU, Darian Mensah-Duke-Miami drama is continuing, and Dabo Swinney cooked Ole Miss and Pete Golding. Cody Williams breaks down all the transfer portal trappings with John Buhler getting a well-deserved break. He also looks at Notre Dame getting favorable treatment in the CFB Playoff, Arthur Smith taking over as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Deion Sanders fining players, critiques a way-too-early Top 25 rankings, and finally talks about jersey patches coming to college football.
<...Episode 244: False Start goes into the Upside Down, Recapping the 2025-26 CFB season with a little help from Stranger Things
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Friends don't lie!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) go into the Upside Down in and around Hawkins, Indiana to attempt to explain what the hell happened in the 2025-26 college football season.
Whether it is a playoff simulation without Indiana or Miami being a part of it, heroes we loved but did not make it out okay in the end, it is all there in this Stranger Things episode.<...
Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt: CFP National Championship Reactions! Indiana caps off historic season, Miami left wondering what happened...
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We just might be living in a simulation?!
The Indiana Hoosiers just went 16-0 en route to their first national championship in program history.
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) reacted to Indiana's 27-21 win over Miami in the national title bout.
The guys had thoughts about Fernando Mendoza and Curt Cignetti, as well as on Carson Beck and the rest of Mario Cristobal's team.
Smoke...
Episode 243: Dante Moore stays at Oregon!, Dylan Raiola can come, too!, CFP National Championship Preview
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Who says you can't stay home?
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) reacted to the latest makings and shakings from the transfer portal.
With Dante Moore deciding to break the New York Jets' heart, he will be the perfect mentor to the most impressionable of impressionables in Dylan Raiola.
After discussing the Oregon Ducks for a bit, the guys previewed the national championship game between Indiana and Miami.<...
Episode 242: Sam Leavitt, Dylan Raiola transfer portal latest, More CFP fallout, The Mario Cristobal of it all...
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Always be 'crootin'!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) got really into the latest makings and shakings of the transfer portal.
They had a feeling where Dylan Raiola would end up, but following the tail-end of Sam Leavitt's recruitment sure was fascinating!
The guys also had some more thoughts on the College Football Playoff, particularly when it came to the likes of Indiana, Miami, and especially Oregon.
<...Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt: CFP Semis Reactions!, Miami and Indiana march on, while Ole Miss and Oregon's seasons come to an end...
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And then there were two...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) reacted to the College Football Playoff national semifinals.
While they got a good one on Thursday night in the Fiesta Bowl between Miami and Ole Miss, the Peach Bowl between Indiana and Oregon was a complete dud.
With Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt, the guys reacted to Miami and Indiana moving on, with Ole Miss...
Episode 241: CFP Semis Preview!, Transfer Portal Shenaningans!, Curt Cignetti's Power Point to Pat McAfee!
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We will have a title bout before you know it...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) previewed the upcoming College Football Playoff national semifinals slate with Ole Miss and Miami duking it out in the Fiesta Bowl, followed by the Peach Bowl having so much Big Ten Energy between Indiana and Oregon in a rematch.
The guys also touched on the latest makings and shakings in the transfer portal, as...
Episode 240: Transfer Portal is Open! Where will Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby, Josh Hoover, and Drew Mestemaker end up?
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Tis the season of movement in college football!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) flew solo like a cup with Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) unable to record on Sunday night.
Buhler looked at the very early movings of the transfer portal, with intense focus on the quarterbacks.
Where will Sam Leavitt, Brendan Sorsby, Josh Hoover, Drew Mestemaker, and others end up? Find out now!
You can be late to the party...
Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt: CFP quarterfinals reactions! Miami, Oregon, Indiana, and Ole Mis advance, Ohio State, Texas Tech, Alabama, and Georgia must pick up the pieces...
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And then there were four...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) went Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt to recap then incredibly exciting national quarterfinals slate of the College Football Playoff.
While Miami and Ole Miss won close ones in upset fashion over Ohio State and Georgia, Oregon and Indiana had no issues whatsoever skating past Texas Tech and Alabama with relative ease.
Cody did not have...
Episode 239: CFP Quarterfinals Preview, Michigan hires Kyle Whittingham, Graphic Design is Buhler's Passion
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Are you ready for some more College Football Playoff football?!
The national quarterfinals begin in earnest on New Year's Eve when No. 10 Miami takes on No. 2 Ohio State.
John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) previewed all four national quarterfinals games, as well as reacted to Michigan hiring former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.
To end the program, the guys shared some Christmas-time stories during some Local Scouting Report, right before Buhler proved once and...
Episode 238: College Football Christmas (Part Deux): Biggest Scrooges, Who Gets Coal, New Year's Resolutions
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It’s Christmas time in college football, and Cody Williams is breaking down the sport in the name of the holiday season while John Buhler got a holiday break. Who are the Scrooges? Which players, coaches or teams need coal in their stocking, or took a loss this year? Which coaches need to make New Year’s resolutions? It’s all in here, from Bill Belichick at UNC to Diego Pavia at Vanderbilt and much more.
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Episode 237: College Football Playoff thoughts, Transfer portal preview, What is going on with Michigan's coaching search?
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When your plans totally blow up in your face, you are the Michigan Wolverines!
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) divulged their last remaining thoughts from the first round of the College Football Playoff before taking a look at the soon-to-be-open transfer portal, as well as what is going on at Michigan?
Sit back and enjoy the show, because this is False Start!
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Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt: College Football Playoff First Round Fallout!: Alabama booms Sooners, Texas A&M is not about The U, Ole Miss loves Pete Golding, Oregon let JMU hang around
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And then there were eight...
On today's episode of False Start, John Buhler (Lead Writer, FanSided) and Cody Williams (Content Director, FanSided.com) reacted to the first round of the College Football Playoff in the only way they know how!
With Three Yards and a Cloud of Punt, the guys shared their thoughts on Alabama-Oklahoma, Miami-Texas A&M, Tulane-Ole Miss, and James Madison-Oregon before bouncing off into the night.
Four teams off to the quarterfinals gave us one helluva show...
